Weddings can be stressful for the bride and groom, but their guests also shoulder some decision-making weight. First there’s finding that perfect gift; then as the big day draws near, choosing what to wear to the event can be a big challenge.

“Never try to outdo the bride,” says Jessica Mulroney, PR and marketing for Kleinfeld’s Hudson Bay. “Don’t dress overly sexy even if you’re hoping to meet a special someone. Do dress for the kind of wedding you are attending.”

“This is a very special day for the couple; they’ve spent months and sometimes years planning and visualizing every detail,” says Nicole McInnis, Halifax-based milliner and owner of Oh Dina!

“That being said, this is not a club night; keep the girls in and your legs covered up. At brunch the next day everyone wants to be talking about how beautiful the bride was, not about cousin Sue’s ‘nip slip.’ ”

In fact, modesty reigns this summer as hemlines have dropped considerably. Midi and maxi-length dresses or skirts are the way to go.

“Maxi dresses have been very popular among the ladies I have been working with this season, whether it’s a casual wedding or a more elegant event,” says McInnis.

“The midi length is very much on trend for 2014. You will always feel elegant and appropriate,” says Mulroney. “Jumpsuits are also a fun new option. Worn with a great pair of heels and some jewels, it’s a comfortable and cool alternative to a dress.”

Want more mileage out of your formal wear? Stick to simple, classic dresses and pair them with statement accessories such as an embellished pump or an eye-catching headpiece.

“I have a lot of clients coming to me for flower crowns to wear to weddings,” says McInnis. “People are being very daring with their accessory choices this year. It’s definitely a more playful season.”

“Prints and pastels are big for summer weddings. Don’t be afraid to wear colour,” says Mulroney. “Something to keep in mind: find out what the bridesmaids’ colour theme is — and avoid it at all costs!”

Footwear should be both fashionable and functional for post-dinner dancing.

“If you wear heels to a wedding, make sure you take a back-up pair of flats with you and keep them in your purse or car as an option to change into once the dancing starts,” says Marie Zydek, fashion blogger from Marie a la Mode. “Make sure they match what you’re wearing,” she adds.

“The type of shoe is dictated by the type of wedding you’re attending,” says Mulroney. “Go with a bold heel to a black tie event. Go for sleek wedge for a beach or garden wedding. Wear something you can dance in. Sore feet make for a sore guest!”

Opinions remain mixed on that age-old question of whether it’s still a faux pas for wedding guests to wear white.

McInnis tells this story: “A few years ago I had a woman contact me about making a custom ivory headpiece for a wedding. During the consultation she brought in a beautiful ivory gown and requested that her custom headpiece have a birdcage veil. She was not the bride and, in fact, she barely knew the bride and groom as she was going as someone’s date. I had to put my foot down and politely explain that it was not the day to upstage the bride.”

“It’s generally still frowned upon. The bride should be the only one who stands out and she does so by wearing white,” says Zydek.

“There are many non-traditional brides that think this rule is quite dated,” says Mulroney. “However, why risk it? Err on the side of caution.”

For those in doubt, it doesn’t hurt to inquire with the wedding party about what is to be expected:

“Not sure what the style of the wedding will be? Ask,” says Zydek. “Or take a look at the invitation, which is a great clue. If it’s a fancy, elegant invitation then it will probably be a fancy, elegant wedding and venue, so dress accordingly.”

“The goal for a wedding guest is to make a statement without standing out,” says Mulroney. “Follow the dress code, add a dash of personality, and you can’t go wrong.”

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Invited to a summer wedding? Colourful, elegant dresses are the way to go

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